Night Guards, Sports Mouth Guards, and Dental Retainers in Canton, OH

Night Guards

What are Night Mouth Guards?

Night mouth guards, also known as occlusal guards or bite splints, are custom-designed dental appliances worn during sleep to protect the teeth and jaws from the damaging effects of teeth grinding and clenching, a condition known as bruxism. Night guards are made to fit comfortably over the upper or lower teeth and create a barrier that prevents direct contact of the teeth.

Why Night Guards are Important

• Protection Against Bruxism: Clenching and grinding can lead to numerous dental issues, including worn enamel, tooth sensitivity, jaw pain, and headaches. Night guards provide a protective cushion, absorbing the forces generated during grinding and clenching, preventing damage and alleviating discomfort.
• Preventing Dental Complications: Long-term untreated bruxism can result in serious dental complications, such as fractured teeth and the need for extensive restorative work. Night guards act as a preventive measure, reducing the risk of these complications and the associated costs.
• Treating Jaw Pain: Oftentimes, jaw discomfort can be managed by wearing a night guard consistently.  A night guard stabilizes the jaw and reduces muscular tension associated with night-time clenching and grinding.

Sports Mouth Guards

What are Sports Mouth Guards?

Sports mouth guards, often referred to as athletic mouth guards or sports guards, are dental appliances designed to protect the teeth and mouth during athletic activities. These guards are custom-made from durable materials and worn over the teeth to absorb and distribute the impact force that can occur during sports and physical activities.

Why Sports Mouth Guards are Important

• Injury Prevention: Sports activities, especially those involving physical contact or fast-paced movements, carry the risk of accidental blows to the face. Sports mouth guards act as a cushion that can help prevent dental injuries such as broken or knocked-out teeth, lip and cheek injuries, and jaw fractures.
• Jaw Protection: Aside from tooth protection, sports mouthguards can also help reduce the risk of jaw injuries, including fractures and dislocations. They provide stability to the jaw, minimizing the impact of sudden forces.
• Long-Term Savings: The cost of a sports mouth guard is a small investment compared to the potential expenses associated with dental and medical treatments resulting from sports-related injuries.

Dental Retainers

What are Dental Retainers?

Dental retainers are dental appliances designed to maintain the alignment of the teeth after orthodontic treatment. They are custom-made to be worn over the teeth to prevent relapse to their original positions. Retainers come in various forms, including removable and fixed options.

Why Dental Retainers are Important

• Orthodontic Treatment Maintenance: After undergoing orthodontic treatment, dental retainers play a crucial role in holding the teeth in their corrected alignment, ensuring the success of the treatment.
• Long-Term Stability: Without using retainers, there is a high risk of orthodontic relapse, where the teeth gradually return to their pre-treatment positions. By consistently wearing dental retainers as prescribed by the dentist, patients can enjoy the long-term stability of their new smile.
• Improved Oral Health: Retainers help maintain the proper alignment of the teeth, making it easier to clean and care for them. This can contribute to better oral hygiene and a reduced risk of dental issues.

Cost of Mouth Guards and Dental Retainers

If you have questions about the cost of specific services or insurance coverage for mouthguards or dental retainers, we encourage you to contact us or schedule an initial consultation. We can provide you with a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with these services and help answer any questions you may have.

Schedule an Initial Dental Consultation

If you require a night guard to prevent teeth grinding, a sports mouth guard to protect your teeth during physical activities, or a dental retainer to maintain the results of orthodontic treatment, schedule an appointment at Minter Dentistry in Canton, OH. Dr. Minter and his experienced team will work with you to understand your goals and provide you with a personalized care plan.